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INSPIRE MAGAZINE

EMPOWERING, ENLIGHTENING AND ENTERTAINING

Winter 2017 Issue 4 â€¢ Volume 1

Gifts that will BLOW

YOUR MIND!

WORK OFF

THOSE HOLIDAY POUNDS!

Making a difference in women’s lives one magazine at a time

Editor

Lisa Seiser

Content

TEAM

Writer Alexis Aguirre

Photographer Maricela Rodriguez

One year ago at this time, we started to discuss the creation of this magazine. All these months later, you are now looking at our final edition of 2017 and we couldn’t be prouder of the success and response to this publication. Following the first three editions, which mainly were dropped off around the Harlingen, San Benito and South Padre Island areas, we have now added Brownsville to our distribution area and we expect similar response from that city and our greater reach. Valley Women Inspire magazine is making a difference in people’s lives and that was our mission from the start. This winter edition continues down that path. We will give you a holiday feel and flare while also providing some tips and ideas about how to make this the best end of the year yet and how to work on yourself to create an even better 2018. Each year end allows us the opportunity to start over when the calendar turns. We can choose some resolutions and ways to improve upon our own lives. But, before we can reach toward those new goals for the New Year, the sometimes stressful holidays are upon us. Keeping the stress levels low can feel like an impossible task. However our friends and specialists, like Fitsity’s Heather George and Whole Life Wellness owner Sandra Vitallo provide you tips to relieve the anxiety and pressure. Looking for some fashion fun for your holiday parties or even New Year’s Eve?

Graphic Designer Victor Cerda

Harlingen area Sales

We all know winter is the perfect time to replace those sandals with cowboy boots. If you have questions about which boots to wear when and with which outfits, this magazine is for you, too. With the help of Scott Meade, owner of Harlingen’s Bullrider Western Wear store, we will help you decide what boot height and type is perfect for you and your style. Want some inspiration and a few good treats? Learn about 23-year-old Andrea Bernes. She saved Brownsville’s iconic Linda’s Cakes when she purchased it from the Linda Gomez, who decided to retire after nearly 30 years in business. However, you have to know Andrea’s full story to understand what she goes through every day. You will be amazed at what this young lady is doing and the energy with which she performs her jobs. This winter edition of Inspire has it all. Our purpose remains to tell the stories of the great women of Rio Grande Valley along with entertaining and informing women of issues they need to know about. As we complete 2017 and head directly into 2018, we will continue on that path with the goal to create a better magazine each and every time. Thank you all for reading. Happy holidays and here’s to a great 2018.

in·spire

verb 1. fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Find us on : https://www.facebook.com/InspireMagazine250727555359202/ @InspireRGV

Lisa Seiser Editor

TEAM Have a great story idea?

lseiser@valleystar.com 956.430.6215 Graphic Designer

Ad Director

Representative

Digital Marketing

Christina Castillo

Emily Anderson

Cashay Engineer

Beverly Ticer

Ana Villaurrutia

Want to advertise in Inspire?

ccastillo@valleystar.com 956.430.6200

Inspire is published four times each year by the Valley Morning Star Digital content Diana Maldonado

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Representative

Clarissa Charles

Kristin Appell

Marco Alejandro

What’s inside? 04

Fashion It’s boot scootin’ time We’re in Texas, so you know what that means. Cowboy boots are a staple in most people’s closets. We will help you navigate the varieties to make you look your best.

Cake frenzy

Find out the secret to long-term success in a small business. Judy Brady lives it every day.

She’s 23 and doing it all. Find out how Andrea Bernes fits everything into her life.

Never afraid Bertha Garza has had ups and downs, but tells us her story that will inspire us to be better.

Needle artwork

Can’t miss gifts We solve your giving stress by showing you some special items you don’t want to miss.

New year ... New you For those who truly want to make changes in their lives, here are some tips and ideas you can use to make sure your New Year’s resolutions last all year long and beyond.

Teac

busine

“There are no ‘secret’ ingredients ... other than love.” Andrea Bernes, Owner of Linda’s Cakes and Desserts Specialty Shop 4

Winter 2017 • Inspire

cher by day …

ess owner by night Work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit leads to success Story by LISA SEISER Photos by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ and MIGUEL ROBERTS It’s late afternoon on a Friday and Andrea Bernes greets a customer with a smile as she picks up a plain, white round cake and walks it into the back kitchen area to be decorated. The sweet smell of freshly-baked cookies and cakes permeates every nook and cranny of Linda’s Cakes and Desserts Specialty Shop. Tables are lined with small packages of empanadas, cookies, and in the middle of the room, a round table full of plain cakes ready for someone to pick up and have one personalized for that very special occasion. Upon her return to the front, Andrea gazes around her business proudly, trying to decide what cookies to show off and how to best display them. It’s 4:10 p.m. and she’s only been at the business for a few minutes. But her day actually started hours earlier somewhere else. Andrea is also a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Raul Yzaguirre Prep School. After classes, she heads straight to her cake and dessert shop where she works until it closes or even later. Then, some nights of the week, she attends her graduate school classes to ensure her continued growth as a teacher with hopes to one day step into a leadership role. There’s no question this 23-year-old, with a strong work ethic, is living her dream even though she has little time to herself. For as long as Andrea can remember, Linda’s Cakes has been a part of her family’s life. Her

mother and grandmother both went there for years. It’s been so long, none of the three remember for sure exactly how many. So this past summer, when Andrea and her mother found out Linda Gomez was planning to retire and close Linda’s Cakes, they saw a potential opportunity. The family already owns and operates La Traviata, a restaurant in Matamoros. Andrea grew up in the restaurant and catering business in a family of entrepreneurs. But, one thing was certain. “We said we would never open up a dessert or cake business in Brownsville because there was always Linda’s,” Andrea says. That all changed in August. Andrea was on her way back from Houston after attending teacher training. She recalls her mother telling her about the newspaper story on Linda’s as the last cake was being baked and the phone was ringing without an answer. The shop actually had closed before Andrea had the opportunity to speak with Linda about the business. But that didn’t deter Andrea, who soon convinced Linda, she was the one to take over and carry on the nearly 30-year tradition of the specialty shop. Andrea says she didn’t approach it like a business deal. She understood how much the shop meant to Linda. “It was her life,” Andrea says about taking her mom along with the first time she talked with Winter 2017 • Inspire

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN DESSERTS Linda’s Cakes owner Andrea Bernes knows quite a bit about traditional Mexican food. She grew up in the restaurant business, working in Matamoros with her family. Now, one of her hopes is to bring traditional Mexican desserts to Brownsville through Linda’s Cakes and Desserts. “I feel that Linda’s made its own culture here in a way,” she says. “People come here because they are used to it and the flavor speaks to them. They can’t have a birthday without this. They can’t think of a

cake that’s not a Linda’s.” But, she also wants to bring more to Linda’s and put her own stamp on the business without changing it too much. That’s why adding the traditional Mexican desserts feels just right. “When I came, I was cautious about what Linda’s was and not wanting to change that,” Andrea says. “I was not going to change what works. We want to add to it. We still have the buttercream you are used to, but we also have other things as well.” Here are a few traditional desserts, just in time for the holiday season.

EMPANADAS - with buttercream or a dulce de leche toasted caramel inside

Linda. “We asked her if she was interested in selling. She was surprised and asked me what I wanted. But I didn’t know.” All Andrea knew was that she planned to work hard and likely all day long. A week later, Andrea and her father met with Linda and a deal was made. So, the ovens were heated up again and the ringing phone calls from customers were answered, now under the direction of a new owner, who seemingly works nonstop from sunup to beyond sundown.

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCES Andrea grew up in Brownsville and attended Catholic schools here since she was three. She’s known English that long, too. But, because her family had a business in Matamoros, she crossed the border daily to go to Mexico to help out. So, long days and changes are nothing new. She actually enjoys her ability to transition from school teacher to business owner each day. “I am able to be a different person in each one,” she says. “You learn different sides of yourself. Each one requires different aspects of my personality and that is nice.” Andrea says when she was younger, she wasn’t extroverted, but at her dessert shop, 6

Winter 2017 • Inspire

MOSTACHON - A traditional Mexican cake, often with strawberries or mango on top - depending on the time of the year. Andrea says it is difficult to compare it to anything else. It is made mainly of crackers and is very popular, especially during the holiday season.

DEDITOS DE NUEZ (WEDDING COOKIES) - These buttery nutty cookies are covered in powdered sugar and melt in your mouth. Many eat these only on special occasions.

she has no choice. “You really learn something about yourself,” she says. She also realizes there’s time to do it all. Well almost everything.

FINDING TIME As everyone knows, there are only 24 hours in a day. And Andrea is making the most of every minute. But, she hasn’t been able to figure out how to do it all quite yet. Andrea admits she’s had to decrease her graduate school class load since purchasing the business in summer. It may take her a little longer to obtain that degree, but she’s not stopping. Most business owners know the key to success is hard work, long hours and never stopping. Andrea has understood that step to success for a long time and has lived it. “We are not afraid of work,” she says about her family full of entrepreneurs. “I grew up that way.” Andrea has that fire in her, too.

THE FUTURE Andrea admits, she’s lucky. A great staff leads the way at Linda’s.

HOJARASCAS (PAN DE POLVO) - These crunchy crumble cookies are traditional in December according to Andrea - they are made into stars, trees, reindeer.

While she learns different aspects of the business, it’s in good hands with the experienced people there running it every day. “The hardest part is I don’t want to overstep,” she says. “These people are amazing and it runs smoothly.” Andrea still believes it is imperative she learns every piece of the business in order to be a better owner and leader. She admits, some of the learning curve may have to wait until summer when she can spend all day at Linda’s. “It is hard to learn something that has taken some of them many years to learn, but I enjoy it.” With her mom’s help, Andrea is able to be fully present at school and then when she is at the shop, fully there as well. Even though she’s trying to do it all, her main focus is on what comes next. “For sure I want to expand, but I am focusing on what really matters now - the products that leave,” Andrea says. “People come here because they want what we create and produce here.” Andrea admits, that’s the buttercream frosting, nodding her head when someone suggests it is addicting. A few minutes later, another customer walks in on this busy Friday afternoon, very happy for the fact the little shop is still open, thanks to Andrea.

OTHER MEXICAN TREATS THREE KINGS CAKE - Rosca de Reyes is a Mexican traditional sweet yeast bread, that takes place as the Day of Kings on Jan. 6. Within the cake, there is a plastic doll symobolizing Jesus. It is said the person who finds the baby Jesus will have luck and fortune come to them for the year.

CAPIROTADA (Mexican bread pudding) - Traditional Mexican food that is usually eaten during the Lenten period and is one of the dishes served on Good Friday. It includes layers of nuts, cheese, dried fruit and bread drizzled with cinnamon-infused sugar syrup. There are many variations, but this dish is considered by many

Mexican families as a reminder of the suffering of Christ on Good Friday. CHURROS - A fried dough pastry that are traditional in Spain and Portugal. MEXICAN BUNUELOS (MEXICAN FRITTERS) - Deep fried fritter is popular around Christmas and New Year’s Day.

This version of Bunuelos is coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with an anise-spiced syrup. TRES LECHES CAKES - This light, airy sponge cake soaked with a mixture of three milks, including evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and regular milk or heavy cream. It is a year round cake.

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AFRAID Life has taught Bertha Garza the things that matter Story by STEVE CLARK Photos by MIGUEL ROBERTS Bertha Garza had a root canal scheduled after the interview for this story, but even that wasn’t enough to dampen her trademark sunny enthusiasm. The Brownsville native is first vice president for IBC in charge of marketing and international banking, secretary to the IBC board, and a force for positive change in the community she loves through initiatives such as financial literacy for children. Bertha’s habitual optimism belies the life-altering hardships she’s overcome, an experience she says only serves to solidify her faith and teach her what’s important. The banking industry veteran landed her first job in 1970, part time in the print shop of First National Bank, now Wells Fargo, through Brownsville High School’s vocational education program. Her boss 8

Winter 2017 • Inspire

was T.J. Hunt, the bank’s purchasing agent and a coin collector, who taught Bertha the importance of diversifying one’s investments. “At the young age of 17, what did I know about anything? But I learned that silver and gold were good investments, and they still are,” she says. “He was a grumpy old man but he was a wonderful human being.” It was also where Bertha learned to nail it the first time. Because a screw-up in the print shop doesn’t stay secret for long — a valuable life lesson was had, at least as important as one she learned from what technically was her first job — cotton candy vendor at the Charro Days carnival. Thirteen years old and yearning for spending money, Bertha took the position at the carnival selling the sticky concoc-

tion, without her parents’ permission. It stopped being fun right away, as Bertha saw her friends having a good time, while she was covered in spun sugar and feeling the deep embarrassment only a 13-yearold can. “I was so excited,” she says. “It was the most terrible job.” Bertha decided she’d had enough after the first day and planned to hit the carnival with her friends rather than go back to work the next day. Her dad wasn’t pleased she’d gone behind his back, but insisted she do the right thing. “My dad said no,” Bertha says. “You got a job. You have to go back.”

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“

When I say something, I mean it. Most of all, what you see is what you get from me.”

Tears had no affect. Neither did her friends’ pleas. “He said, ‘You go back to your job, you finish that commitment and then we’ll see,’” Bertha remembers. “Well, I had to finish the job.” The lesson stuck, and she became that person whose word you could count on. “When I say something, I mean it,” Bertha says. “Most of all, what you see is what you get from me. I don’t beat around the bush. If I’m going to help you, you better believe I’m going to help you. If I can’t help you, I’m going to tell you I can’t. I’m going to be honest with you.” Her dad laid track for the Missouri Pacific railroad line and provided well for the family, though it kept him on the road. Bertha, the oldest of five children, still learned a lot from him. “I would say I got his work ethic, very dependable, and then his love for people,” she says. “He loved people. He never met a stranger. I feel that way. Nobody’s a stranger to me.” Bertha’s mother was a “very giving person” but at the same time frugal. “She was a saver,” Bertha says. “She would always have money stashed away for a rainy day. I had a good combination of parents.” ALL ABOUT HARD WORK Bertha says she learned the meaning of hard work during a summer picking crops up north with her family when she was 16. Among her many mentors were several women. One of them, Mary Marchan, rescued her from the print shop and offered her a full-time job in human resources. By then, she’d started work on an associates degree at Texas Southmost College. Though Bertha never actually finished, a family and budding career leaving no time, she wound up managing the bank’s HR department in charge of 250 employees. Bertha, who’s always had a thing for numbers, says she wanted to be closer to actual banking, so she requested a transfer to a different department, which led her to the world of international banking. It required fluency in Spanish because she was working with Mexican nationals. Bertha immersed herself, reading Spanish-language newspapers and even practicing cursing in Spanish. Before long, she was perfectly at ease in conversation or 10

Winter 2017 • Inspire

behind the podium in front of a roomful of people. TRAGEDY STRIKES In 1995, after 26 years with what was by then Mercantile Bank, calamity struck. Bertha was diagnosed with lupus and had to quit working. “I was very ill,” she recalls. “I couldn’t walk very well. I was in a lot of pain.” Rather than conventional treatment, Bertha turned to nutritional supplements, juicing, a strict diet, walking and resting — determined to beat the disease ravaging her body and go back to work. “When you’re sick you try everything,” she says. “It helped me tremendously. It took me about a year and a half to get better, and then it took me another year to get back into banking. I was on the verge of applying for disability.” Bertha says a therapist told her some patients beat the disease, which gave her hope and the will to fight. “I was determined to get better,” she says. “Thank God, I have a lot to be grateful for. Of course I had a long conversation with the Lord.” Bertha’s proposal to Him was to help her get well and, in exchange, she’d devote herself to helping whoever He wanted her to. “I asked for five years,” says Bertha, a devout Catholic. “It’s been 20. My life has been full of joy, full of a lot of pain, but through the pain and through the hardships it really has made me stronger.” BETTER THAN EVER She returned to work with a vengeance, going to IBC in 1998. Bertha said the company challenges its officers to engage with the community and then gives them the leeway and support to make a difference. She cited as one of her biggest mentors and supporters Fred Rusteberg, the founding president and CEO of IBC BankBrownsville who retired last year and who Bertha refers to affectionately as “Mr. R.” Bertha’s list of accomplishments while at IBC includes helping bring the bank’s Minitropolis elementary school financial education program to Brownsville; creating and spearheading Congressional Financial Education Summits for U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela; establishing Project Space, a nonprofit organization to that raises funds for students in UTRGV’s STARGATE program; and creating the STARGATE Talks

speaker series to benefit Project Space. Bertha is also helping form the nonprofit Building Financial Capacity Coalition, under which IBC, Brownsville Independent School District and Community Development Corporation of Brownsville are enhancing financial education in schools by embedding it within the curriculum through the FDIC Money Smart student ambassador program. Bertha’s advice for young women just entering a career includes “learn as much as you can.” Go ahead and get that degree, she says, since it’s much faster to work your way up with it than without it. Demonstrate reliability every day and surround yourself with smart, competent people, she says. “The other thing that’s really, really important for women is, ’What are you so afraid of?’” she says. Bertha says too often women — and men — allow fear to squelch their potential. Her turning point came during her struggle with lupus, which reordered her perspective in a powerful way. “Guess what? Let’s get over that,” she says. “You work on whatever you need to do. Let’s get over that barrier. Don’t be afraid, and keep on learning.”

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These are homemade by Gaylynn Foster as a new endeavor in the store. They are earthy and natural. Foster and her mother formerly had an antique store, some of those items are at Honey Bees too. Along with the soaps and candles, there’s also potpourri.

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When Honey Bees first opened more than two years ago, the store had 30 vendors selling their specialty items. However, that is now down to three with Mary Coronado, Laura

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Smith and Gaylynn Foster. Future expansion is on their minds, too. But, that has yet to be determined as the three continue to thrive in the hive.

TASSLE TOPS COST - $$$$ When blouses are ordered, only six of the same style are purchased. Jewelry items are one-ofa-kind in the store. That makes it unlikely if you buy one of these items that you would see someone else wearing it. The key is not saturating the market with the same items and Mary Coronado makes sure of it with her purchasing.

HOW DID HONEY BEES GET ITS NAME? Owner Mary Coronado originally wanted to name the store Lady Bugs. “I call everyone lady bugs,” she says. But, there was one already in Texas. So that idea was out. “A friend of mine had a key chain and it had a honey bee

on it and it was blinged,” she says. Originally, the name was not embraced, but now it certainly is. It was just more than two years ago when the store opened and the owners had just put up the sign on the

storefront in downtown Harlingen. “The next day, we had bees in the store,” Mary says with a smile. “I wasn’t concerned so much with that, but the fact that these bees could read. They came right in.” After that, the ladies who sell

their items in the store have fallen in love with the Honey Bees name. Mary’s business card even states, “Catch the Sting of Bling” and the three are always on the lookout for pictures of kids and people wearing bee attire.

ALL TEXAS WESTERN WEAR COST $$-$$$$ Popular with the Winter Texans, these items include wood crosses, metal Texas signs and much more.

GOD ROCKS COST - $-$$$ These chiseled rock pieces have sayings and artwork on them. They can be used as decorations or to inspire and stay grounded.

CUSTOM EMBROIDERY COST - $$-$$$$ Personalization is the key to these. Have something special embroidered onto a towel, T-shirt, Tutu, bib or onesy. Faith-based shirts as well as the baby and children’s clothing are the top sellers.

HAND-PAINTED WINE GLASSES COST - $$ These are truly unique for that wine lover in your household or outside it. These have been brought in from Michigan, so it’s pretty likely, most in South Texas haven’t seen these.

Winter 2017 • Inspire

It’s her

Calling Once a car salesman, Betty Ramirez-Lara now finds passion in helping through Rotary Story by LISA SEISER Photos by IVAN ESTRADA and LISA SEISER

At least 52 times, Betty Ramirez-Lara has told the same story. During the past few months, the first Hispanic female Rotary District 5930 Governor has used her words to inspire her fellow Rotarians on what it means to give back. With her Rotary pin on her blazer and wearing her customary colors, Betty easily and comfortably speaks in front of her fellow Rotarians about the day her life changed. It was the day she found out about Rotary International and the organization’s work around the world. But, this story is much deeper than about her attending a Rotary meeting 16 years ago. Life was on cruise control for Betty. It was early 2001 and she was selling cars for a dealership, pulling in more than $100,000 a year. That was a far cry from years earlier when she and her brother as teens would drive from Weslaco to South Padre Island on the weekends with bologna sandwiches. “We would pack up the sandwiches and wouldn’t ask for any money,” Betty recalls. “We would go to the beach all day Sunday. We would be all sunburned driving back.” But, her success in car sales allowed her to do more for her own children. Instead of bologna, Betty was able to take her kids to the island and go to restaurants like Blackbeard’s, which would have been an unaffordable treat in her younger days. Betty was good at what she called “relationship selling” and she excelled. It was a tough business that required long hours and weekend work. But Betty admits she “busted her butt” to provide as much as she could for her kids. Betty says everything was going right. People were buying cars and life was good. Then, Sept. 11, 2001, happened. Uncertainty killed the car market. 14

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Record sales earlier in the year took a 180-degree turn for the worse. “Everybody was in shock and traumatized,” she says about the terrorist attacks, not knowing if more were coming. That led to the car dealerships trying to be aggressive and pushing financed sales because it was difficult to get people into the dealerships to purchase vehicles. But Betty says those “tricks” bordered on predatory lending. She says she couldn’t do that to people. “That was not something I was comfortable doing,” Betty says. “It was my integrity, that was being compromised.” By the end of the year, the bottom had truly fallen out of car sales and Betty’s once lucrative career in sales ended. She was fired. However, in October, she had attended a Rotary Club meeting luncheon after being asked to be a guest. It turned out that day changed her life even more than 9-11. At the Rotary meeting, Betty says discussions revolved around helping a clinic in Mexico. “That’s when I found out it was international

“

It just feels good to do something for somebody. It creates a hormone in the brain, it is the feel good hormone. If more people did more of this, the world would be better. There are just too many people in it for themselves.” Betty Ramirez-Lara

“It’s about reaching back so people can reach out and give hope. That is what we are about. It is about giving hope.” Betty Ramirez-Lara on Rotary International

Busy, busy, Betty They said she couldn’t do it. She knew she could. As the Rotary District 5930 Governor, Betty Ramirez-Lara’s duty is to visit every one of the 52 clubs for a regular meeting as well as board meetings. She went on 102 meeting visits in 120 days, traveling all over the district, from Laredo to Corpus and beyond. It’s a full-time job for her. “I have learned we are all volunteers,” Betty says about her Rotary Club members across her district. “I see the passion and conviction in our Rotarians. I see the best people out there and I am connected with them and we all want the same thing. Sometimes we don’t always think the same things, but I see the best people. It has brought out the best version of myself and what I do.” Betty, who has been a Rotary Club member for years, took the reins as the district governor in July. She is energized by her fellow Rotarians. “It just feels good inside to do something for somebody that you won’t get anything back,” she says. “That is what Rotary is all about.”

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Hurricane disaster shows Rotary’s strengths It was Aug. 25 and Hurricane Harvey was bearing down on the Texas coast - areas like Rockport, Port Aransas and Corpus Christi, which make up a majority of Betty Ramirez-Lara’s Rotary District 5930. Betty had to take action and quickly. At the time, she couldn’t reach her Rotary leaders to find out what to do next or whether they were even safe. But, Betty focused on what she could do. She knew money would be coming to help the communities affected by the storm. After all, she was the Rotary Club’s District Governor for the area and responsible for creating an emergency plan. But she’d only been in the position since July 1. She had the create the plan used to decide how to disperse fundraised money and as Betty says, a way to make sure people affected are recovering and getting back to work. Within 48 hours, Betty and her committee had a plan. And, thanks to that plan, money from all over the country, started rolling in. Hundreds of thousands of dollars came in from other Rotary Clubs just for hurricane relief. “We wanted to make sure the money stays in our district,” Betty says. “The right people are going to get the money.” She couldn’t be happier to report the funds raised are helping families rebuild and ensure they have what they need. It’s the reason why she loves Rotary and believes in it so strongly.

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and there were projects all around the world,” she says. “I then immersed myself in knowing more about what was involved.” But it was the help Rotary was giving in Mexico that made the difference for Betty. She remembered her younger years of her family’s struggles in Mexico. “It was my calling,” she says about Rotary. “When I could see my family members in Mexico not being able to get seen by a doctor. There were also times when my family couldn’t get through those muddy roads. We would have to drive back to Weslaco.” Betty knew Rotary was helping and that meant she had to also.

What Rotary means to Betty Ramirez-Lara “It has been 16 years and what Rotary has meant to me is that this is my purpose. When you combine the six areas of focus in the Rotary Foundation, education and literacy is something I believe in strongly. We have to be able to educate our future. When I see all the water projects we do all over the world. When I see mother and child health and economic development so they can sustain themselves, not just there for a handout. I see peace and we are trying to push peace.”

she says. Once again, she had to battle through another change - this time the interest rate crash of 2007. She said that’s when the “junk” sub-prime loans came to be, often putting people into homes and adjustable rate mortgages they couldn’t afford. She eventually left that career as well.

The first generation citizen and onetime migrant strawberry and cherry picker, who had married into that life, needed to find her new career path. Despite now having Rotary in her life, she needed a career that would make her happy. For Betty, that meant helping people. She went into the mortgage business, helping people finance their home. She was able to work with Veterans and aid them through the financing process, often finding ways to obtain very low interest rates. “For me, it is always about being able to look people in the eye and believe in what you are doing and doing the right thing,”

Now, she is a self-employed business woman, who spends most of her time performing her Rotary duties. Her company, which she has taken some time off from, is an energy aggregator that sells plans for commercial and industrial use mainly. She knew the Rotary District Governor position was one she had to take on. Already a recipient of several awards through Rotary, Betty took on the challenge she admits she couldn’t pass up. “A lot of times, if there is anything that keeps you from doing something, it is yourself,” she says. “It usually isn’t someone telling you, you can’t do that. It is the voice inside you that says I don’t think you can do that.” But, Betty says she knew she was put in the position for a reason. Her decision to grab it made history. It’s her story she tells every opportunity she can.

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BOOK REVIEW

“It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree” The woman in the cubicle next to yours is a real piece of work. No tidbit is too small for gossiping. Unsolicited advice is her expertise, and she seems to think complaints are in her job description. Ugh, she’s so hard to work with but be aware. As you’ll see in the new book “It’s All Relative” by A.J. Jacobs, she’s probably related to you. And so is everyone else, says Jacobs, if you go back far enough. Somewhere several thousand years ago, a man and a woman who probably didn’t even know one another happened both to have DNA with exceptional staying power. Their genes have been passed down to every single person since then. Even you. That’s, of course, a simple explanation to a complex thing but it got Jacobs thinking. In his own family tree, he says, “I’d be happy to trim a few branches,” but the idea of having several million cousins was an intriguing one. He decided to throw a party for his new family. Everyone was invited. Even you. These days, genealogy is bigbusiness. Over the course of a year, “Americans spend a mindboggling $3 billion…” and untold hours building their family trees, learning their DNAs, and locating official government records, photos, and documents. You can go online and easily see who you’re related to, even distantly, but the shocker is that “we are a startlingly close-knit species” – so close, in fact, that you could be “at most seventieth cousins with all other humans.” Genetically, we’re awfully close to some animals, too: forebears, as it turns out, might be exactly right. But you can’t think about who you’re related to without peeking backward. In his zeal for connection-collection, Jacobs amassed

family stories and FBI dossiers, contacted celebrities (new cousins!), and found “black sheep” and changing names. He looked at our caveman lineage (yes, even you) and he discovered that, evolutionarily speaking, learning our connections “nudges us to treat strangers with more kindness.” Soon, you’ll be sitting down to a nice Thanksgiving meal. The whole family’s invited, and in “It’s All Relative,” you’ll see that you’re gonna need more chairs. In his mega-reunion planning, author A.J. Jacobs learned that early, but that’s only half the fun of this dual look at genealogy. The main part – the appeal of the whole book – is that Jacobs is a truly funny writer, putting himself squarely in the middle of his story, holding up his own family as examples, and using himself as foil to his plans and discoveries. That, however, is no indication of a lack of seriousness to this book. Jacobs educates as he entertains, and readers will learn about basic genetics, genealogy, and searching for ancestors far and not-so-far. Indeed, reading this book may spur you to see who you’re related to. (Hint: everybody). So be nice to that cousin in the next cube. Be sure to tell everyone that you’re actually related to a famous author named Jacobs. And read “It’s All Relative.” You’ll love it because you kin.

“It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Famly Tree” by A.J. Jacobs c.2017, Simon & Schuster $27 / $36 Canada 338 pages

“

Yo u c a n g o o n l i n e and easily see who you’re related to, even distantly, but the shocker is that ‘we are a startlingly close-knit species.’”

Winter 2017 • Inspire

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Out on the ranch, cowboy boots are it

Krystina Ginther

Story by LISA SEISER Photos by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ If you’re going to hop on a horse, make sure you’ve got them on. Certainly, because we’re in Texas, cowboy boots are a staple in most people’s closets. After all, cowboy boots are recognized world wide as a symbol of Texas. But now more than ever, there are varieties and looks for cowboy boots. We could call it Texas chic. And, they’re not just in your closet to wear with your jeans and white T-shirt. Cowboy boots are now a fashion trend – they are colorful, oftentimes beautifully embroidered, have great texture and can be full of bling. You can wear them with just about anything in your closet. That’s what many women are doing. As the Valley’s blistering summer heat subsides and gives way to the cooler winter months, it’s definitely boot wearing time. Here are some ideas about how mix and match those boots and what you can do to put that perfect outfit together … with your boots as the star.

You should know There are three basic types of cowboy boots – western (classic), shorty and roper. Western-classic – A tall boot shaft, about 12 inches or so, going to at least mid-calf with an angled heal, usually more than an inch high. Shorty boots – Usually these lower boots are just above the ankle. Roper – A boot shaft that is between the western classic and shorty. They have a low and squared-off heel and typically have rounded toes. Bullrider Western Wear owner Scott Meade admits 15 years ago, his store was filled with roper style boots. Now, he said he has none in his store. That’s how styles have changed over the years.

These newer, fashionable, colorful embroidered snip toe boots can be worn with many styles. Here, Krystina shows off a cute one-piece dress with a petite jean jacket cover. This could be an outfit worn just about anywhere – to school, to work or just to go out shopping on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

These embroidered boots are the perfect height and will also go great with bootcut blue jeans. Add a cowboy hat to the mix and you can look like you’re ready for any occasion.

Winter 2017 • Inspire

“A lot of women are dressing more fashion-oriented with a pair of boots,” Bullrider Western Wear owner Scott Meade says. “About 10 years ago, they would wear a more traditional shirt and jeans. But, now, they buy something at another store and come here to buy boots to wear it with. It is not necessarily western clothing. They are infusing their boots with fashion. So, we see a lot of that.”

Debra Poe

These slick riding style boots go great with some darker jeans. A little taller than your classics, it is best to tuck your jeans in these for the best effect. Like Debra, pair the dark brown boots with a lighter-colored blouse and you have a winning combination. Grab a vest and pair with the blouse and you are ready to fancy it up for a night on the town. Or, go back to the traditional turquoise with these boots and shine wherever or whenever you go. 26

Winter 2017 • Inspire

This stylish look is perfect for an evening out. These shiny boots go great with a fancy blouse, not your typical western wear, but it goes together. Bling boots are seriously in style and they are expected to remain in style and even go further. Several different styles of boots could go with this outfit

When wearing ankle boots with straight, slim or boyfriend jeans, cuff them so you can see a hint of skin between the boot and jean. If you’re wearing skinny jeans or leggings, tuck them into your ankle boot with no bunching.

About Bullrider Scott Meade’s parents opened Bullrider Western Wear in 1979 after moving to the Valley from west Texas. His father was a mechanic and his mother a school teacher. Scott’s grandfather had a store here and said it was going well, so the rest of the family followed. In 2005, Scott took over. “I love helping people find something they are really looking for,” he says. “When I get that customer who says they can’t find what they want and then you are able to find it for them, that is what makes me come here every day.”

Short boots are also in style as they mesh well with different jeans. Here, Debra has on the boyfriend jeans, which are rolled up just above the top of the boots. The style is to show just a tiny bit of the skin. The popularity of “shorties,” especially in brown and black, are the ability to wear with skinny jeans, too. These boots are perfect for longer or shorter skirts. These shorties are flexible and fun. Also, they are great for those who have thicker calves that make wearing the longer boots more difficult. They also are good for people who may have shorter legs, but don’t want the longer boots to make them look even shorter.

Winter 2017 • Inspire

ARTS & CRAFTS

Creating with need Embroidery not just a craft anymore, it’s an

Art form

Story by LISA SEISER Photos by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ Judy Brady loves colors and that’s only one reason why walking into her shop every day makes her happy. It doesn’t take long to realize the 71-year-old has a passion for embroidery and her business. She moves around her Harlingen specialty shop – Judy’s Stitchery Nook – with ease, knowing the creator of every embroidery artwork. She points from several feet away to a wall and describes one piece as needlepoint and another as counted cross stitch. She knows just by looking at them. It’s what happens when someone has owned and ran a business for more than 28 years. But Judy had a different life before her store. For 17 years, she worked in the banking industry, right here in Harlingen. “I had always loved embroidery and learned from my grandmother when I was 16 and took an interest in it,” she says. After many years, she took an interest in it again after attending some classes. At the time, she was still in the banking business as an operations manager with a local savings and loan. However, that was in the late 1980s and early 1990s and everything was changing. “I was part of the savings and loan industry when they were crashing,” she says. “Things were changing the way they used to be. It was high pressure and we were being bought out by a company in Dallas.” That new company took over and Judy says her unhappiness in her job continued to escalate. “It was a different environment and I didn’t enjoy it anymore,” she says. “I was so unhappy, but I stuck it out because I had a son in college and I was paying to keep him in school.” One day, Judy went into a local stitchery shop and started to talk with the manager. “I said, I just wish I could open by own shop,” Judy admits. “She said, just do it.” Despite continuing to work at the bank, Judy followed her dream and that woman helped manage 28

Winter 2017 • Inspire

“

d es

This is needle art. We are painting and creating with our needles.” - Judy Brady

Judy’s new shop. “Had it not been for her, I probably wouldn’t be standing here now,” Judy says about her. “She encouraged me and supported me.” That was August of 1989. Judy stayed with the bank for another year before deciding to leave and taking over her store on a daily basis. At first, Judy thought she would be able to hang out in her store and do some embroidery. That didn’t happen as she realized how much time it takes to be the owner of a business – essentially handling every facet. She gave herself three years minimum, five years maximum to turn a profit. She accomplished her

goal after three years in business. “It was a struggle,” Judy says. “I had to learn a lot. I didn’t know what I was doing. It was a really big learning curve. I had to learn it all.” She still continues to learn. Retail has changed quite a bit in the past nearly 30 years Judy has been in business. That may be one reason she is unsure of the future. Currently, she owns the only store of this kind in the Valley. But Judy says the business day never ends and she’s not sure how much longer she wants to continue. “I do still love it,” she says. “But, the time is getting there.” Winter 2017 • Inspire

The different types of embroidery You can do so much with these skills – create wall art, pillows, and clothes, make table runners, ornaments, Christmas stockings, pin cushions, quilts and anything you can think of.

SWEDISH WEAVING – A surface embroidery form that has several different versions and is known by many names, including Huck embroidery.

COUNTED CROSS STITCH – A popular form of sewing in which X-shaped stitches in pattern are used to form a picture

HARDANGER – A form of very traditional embroidery typically worked with white thread on linen or cloth using counted thread. It is sometimes called white work embroidery.

You Probably Didn’t Know According to Judy Brady, in the 17th century, girls didn’t go to school. Instead, they sewed and learned how to create things for the home. That is where their value came from. Embroidery was how they learned the alphabet so they could become a helper in the house or the head of the house. They would stitch their initials into the linens.

Winter 2017 • Inspire

NEEDLEPOINT – A surface embroidery technique with a basic stitch being like a half stitch in cross stitching. It creates a look like tapestry, but instead of being woven on a loom, it is stitched by hand.

TEMARI BALLS – A folk art form and Japanese craft that originated in China and was introduced to Japan around the 7th Century.

SILK RIBBON – A romantic old art that uses ribbon, usually to create florals and decorative stitch patterns by hand. It looks as if it jumps off the materials.

“

We are tying to get younger generations involved. This is a technique you can enjoy all your life. I have stitchers, one woman is in her 90s and she just brought us a Christmas stocking she made.” - Judy Brady Judy’s Tips For Entrepreneurs

PERFORATED PAPER – A craft material of lightweight card that imitates embroidery canvas. It is most commonly embroidered with cross stitch borders and pictures

Starting a business begins with having a passion. “You have to enjoy what you do,” Judy Brady, owner of Judy’s Stitchery Nook says. “If you go to work and you dread it, you may be skillful and talented, but you don’t want to be there.” Judy says if you have the “gut” feeling and a passion, explore the options. But, it also requires having knowledge and an understanding of finances. “In retail, you have to watch your costs,” Judy says. Her late husband was good at that. He had run a store and had a business background. She brought financial knowledge and an ability to be customer oriented following her years in the banking industry. If you have some weaknesses or even if you don’t, Judy says find a mentor to help you. “If you can find someone to give you advice who is knowledgeable, that is great,” she says. “I am still learning myself.” Winter 2017 • Inspire

New Year …

u o Y w Ne How to start and stick with your resolutions LONG TERM Story by LISA SEISER Photos by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

lmost everyone talks about it, but most don’t follow through much past February. New Year’s resolutions are a big part of our annual end-of-theyear plans as we get to start over once again on Jan. 1. For many, it means deciding to lose weight, get into shape, eat better, save money, focus more on you, spend more time with kids and the list goes on and on. But it can’t be done all at once. Some of these are intended to be lifelong changes – not just quick fixes. So, for those who truly want to make changes in their lives, here are some tips and ideas you can use to make sure your New Year’s resolutions last all year long and beyond.

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Whole Life Wellness Center owner Sandra Vitallo has some tips for how a person can stick to their resolutions. “Most people set overwhelming goals,” Sandra says. But, here is good way to make your changes less overwhelming and become good habits and life changes. 1. Make a “bucket list” of things you want to accomplish. Sandra says write the full list, but then narrow it to four or five priorities. She advises that likely several of your goals go together hand-inhand, like losing weight and eating better.

2. Focus on changing your life one piece at a time. It’s unlikely you are going to be able to change your diet, exercise more, improve your finances and spend more time with your loved ones all at once starting Jan. 1. That’s an unattainable goal. Maybe even if you can do it for a short time, it is not going to end in long-term results. Sandra says you need to earn small victories and build upon each of them. “If losing weight is a goal, some people need to lose 100 pounds, but that is overwhelming, you can’t think that,” she says. “If you could lose 25 pounds in one year, that is doable.” 3. If you want to get healthy, the first month, start drinking more water and get rid of a vice such as soda or alcohol. Sandra says most people are dehydrated and you can’t lose weight or become healthy without drinking enough water on a daily basis.

Who is Sandra Vitallo? Always interested in India, Sandra Vitallo’s dream had long been to bring that culture to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. And, for 15 years, she’s had a facility in Harlingen where she has achieved that goal. With a passion for natural healing and helping people find themselves, she started doing yoga by watching Lilia’s Yoga and You on PBS in the 1970s. Sandra was an artist who traveled around to festivals. She sold incense and then essential oils. After awhile, when she came to the Valley, people would want those items. That’s when she thought about moving permanently to the Valley and opening a business. Sandra says she did it and on the way was instrumental in bringing yoga to the area. But in 2002, when she had her small wellness facility on Harrison in a historic building, yoga classes had to

be held elsewhere, including in a church basement and dance hall. “We were renting places here and there,” she says. “We were all over the place.” Despite attempting to buy that historic, busy building they were in, that effort failed. “The day I couldn’t get the building I wanted, I was driving over here,” she says about the Whole Life Wellness Center on Filmore Avenue. “This building was available and I knew a week earlier it wasn’t. We fixed it up. Everything is where it is supposed to be, in its divine order.” She’s a believer. She easily talks about learning and practicing Ayurveda, a system of medicine with historical roots in India. The therapies are part of general wellness applications and in some cases medical use. Everything she does, it’s with the hope of helping people. Winter 2017 • Inspire

4. The second month, take something bad out of your diet and replace it with something else as you continue drinking water to stay hydrated. If you want to remove sugar from your diet, replace it with natural fruits. If you need to get carbs such as noodles out of your diet, exchange that with vegetables like spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Sandra says choose healthy alternatives. “Take tiny bites and it is doable,” Sandra says. “It is slowly doable.” Then, you can take something else out of your diet that is not good for you. 5. The third month, add in walking, exercise or yoga, something that de-stresses you. You are doing this along with drinking water and replacement of something that is not good for you in your diet. 6. Start doing things for yourself. Get massages, pedicures, make a hair appointment. Those are things many women, who often are the caregivers, don’t do for themselves and their own health. 7. Continue adding new things as the others become habits or just keep on course. “As the months go on, sometimes you are going to fall short,” Sandra says. But stick to it as these are intended to be lifelong changes, not quick fixes. Sandra also has ideas on how to avoid pitfalls you will fall into. “Everything is tied with emotions,” she says. “You have to not allow yourself to go back. You can’t beat yourself up. You are going to have cake, you are going to go to a party. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”

Winter 2017 • Inspire

“

When the muscles are tight, they are restricted,” she says. “If you open them up, it lets the air in there.”

QUICK TIP Walking is the best way to start your new healthy life. All you have to do is about 10,000 steps per day. Your regular walking during the day and then about a 30-minute walk sometime during the day should help you easily reach that number. Sandra says sedentary jobs are detrimental to your health. “Sitting is the new smoking,” she says. “Being sedentary will take years off your life. We are not made to sit.” Also, make sure you walk for a few minutes after eating. It helps your digestive system and gets things going. Sandra says so many people eat and then go sit down or lay down.

Relieving stress One way to change your life is to do things that reduce your stress level. High levels of stress are detrimental to physical and mental health. These stress relievers also can serve other purposes, such as improving health and fitness.

MASSAGE Mieree Snyder hopped up on the table and stepped on Sandra Vitallo’s back. While grabbing hold of the wooden bars above her to stay on balance, Mieree moved up and down Sandra’s spine. At each movement, she talked about the benefits of massage and the different types that are available. Mieree is known as the “back walker” for her business, The Massage Company, which has a room inside Whole Life Wellness Center. “Everything is done with a lot of precision and a lot of thought,” Mieree says about her styles of massage therapy. A recent trip and stay in Thailand has undoubtedly rejuvenated Mieree and has her motivated for the future. “Oh, that feels good,” Sandra says as Mieree stretches her. “When the muscles are tight, they are restricted,” she says. “If you open them up, it lets the air in there.” She also works with hot stones, heating pads, herbal teas, natural oils and scents. “I work many levels to bring down the tension and stress,” she says. “Sometimes it is not an injury, it is an emotional stress that comes out in the body.” She calls it a spiritual experience that allows people to relax and get their mind off of their problems.

Massage benefits • Reduces pain and muscle tension • Increases blood and lymph circulation • Reduces anxiety • Manager lower back pain • Relieve tension headaches • Increase range of motion • Promote relaxation

Winter 2017 • Inspire

YOGA Sandra Vitallo says regular yoga has improved many people’s lives, including those with severe illnesses. She’s seen it herself in her Whole Life Wellness Center. While a full group works their yoga moves in the studio on a weekday at the center, Sandra talks about some of the physical improvements she has seen with some of those in the yoga classes. One woman, she says, has scoliosis, and yoga has helped her. Another woman was so debilitated she could hardly make it up the stairs. Now, it’s much easier. A man in the class has breathing problems and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Sandra says he has made some “incredible strides.”

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Meditation benefits • • • •

Induces relaxation Lowers blood pressure Improves heart rate, breathing and brain waves Reduces pain and enhances the body’s immune system • Reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and confusion • Provides sense of calm, peace and balance • Increases energy

Yoga benefits • Increased flexibility • Increased muscle tone and strength • Improved respiration, energy and vitality • Maintaining balanced metabolism • Weight reduction • Cardio and circulatory health • Improved athletic performance • Protection from injury

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEATHER Heather George opened Fitsity Training in December 2015 after working as a trainer at another facility. The former high school teacher saw what was needed in the fitness community and aimed to provide the women of the Valley a supportive space to work toward their fitness goals. Now, she and five other trainers work to help almost 200 women. George is a bikini competitor as well as a coach and personal trainer. To her, fitness is a lifestyle and itâ€™s important to build up her clients mentally as well as physically.

Winter 2017 â€˘ Inspire

AN D

EXE RCISE Story by ALEXIS AGUIRRE Photos by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ During the holidays and winter months, health tends to take a back seat to everything else. With family members in town and all the delicious holiday food that is available, staying healthy seems impossible. Heather George, owner of Fitsity, an all-female training studio, says the combination of holiday stress and things to do can keep people from their health goals. “It’s okay to enjoy your holidays, but that doesn’t mean letting go of your health,” Heather says. She knows it’s not realistic to force yourself to

keep a strict diet during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Everyone has that need to indulge. “It’s important to live a balanced life,” Heather says. The biggest mistake women make when it comes to their health is skipping meals. According to Heather, small meals and healthy snacking is important to keeping a healthy metabolism. Keeping healthy snacks around and pre-made can help curve the need for pigging out during meals.

HEALTH TIPS FOR ALL YEAR ROUND

These are even more important during the holiday months. 1. Never skip a meal Skipping a meal when you’re trying to lose weight, may seem like a good idea, but skipping meals can lead to a slower metabolism and the need to binge-eat. 2. Always eat breakfast It’s called the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating breakfast can help jumpstart one’s metabolism.

4. Find a partner to keep you accountable Working toward your health goals can seem lonely and impossible. Finding a friend or a partner with similar goals and holding each other accountable can make the process easier.

3. Eat a small meal or snack every three hours Small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day can keep the metabolism going and prevent binge-eating.

5. Stay active It seems like there are just not enough hours in the day. But anyone can find at least 15 minutes in their day for a quick workout. Just a couple minutes here and there can make a world of a difference.

SNACK RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Rice Cakes

2. Green Apples

3. Unsalted Popcorn

Flavored rice cakes such as caramel corn are available. Adding peanut butter with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon will please the sweet tooth.

Apples provide a number of benefits. Slicing them up and dipping them in peanut butter or almond butter can provide a healthy alternative to sugary pastries.

Unsalted popcorn can be a tasty and healthy snack. Add a sprinkle of chili pepper for a kick and throw it in a Ziploc bag for a great treat to-go. Winter 2017 • Inspire

Between the holiday season and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time for fitness can see impossible. But, all it takes is 15 to 25 minutes to fit in a QUICK WORKOUT to help you GET IN SHAPE or STAY IN SHAPE. Heather George, owner and trainer of the all-female training studio Fitsity, breaks down five different exercises that can be done in the comfort of your home.

Plyo Alternate Side Squat Advanced: use a form of elevation such as a small stool or step Beginner: can be done without elevation

Start off with a squat.

For those using elevation, the right foot should be flat on the elevated surface.

1. Bring in left leg together with your right. 2. Quickly, step out with your right foot and come down in a squat. 3. Bring in right foot. 4. Repeat. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times with a 20 second rest in between each set.

Kick Back and Hydrant Start off with palms of your hands and knees on the floor. 1. Bring in left leg, and then kick it out backward. 2. Slowly bring left leg in to beginning stance. 3. Repeat with right leg. In the same position. 1. Keeping the left leg bent, push it out to the side at the height of your hips. 2. Bring it down. 3. Repeat with right leg. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times with a 20 second rest in between each set. 40

Winter 2017 â€˘ Inspire

Ab Crunch with Leg Tuck

Alternate Reverse Lunge with Bicep Curl

Advanced: use a form of elevation such as a small stool or step Beginner: can be done without elevation Start off with a squat. 1. For those using elevation, the right foot should be on the elevated surface. 2. Bring in left leg together with your right. 3. Use the right foot to step out and come down in a squat. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times with a 20 second rest in between each set.

Equipment: dumbbells* Start off in a straight stance. 1. Step back in a lunge with the left foot, and curl forearms up. 2. Bring right foot back and slowly bring arms down. 3. Repeat with the right leg.

*Tip: Use water bottles in place of dumbbells, if unavailable. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times with a 20 second rest in between each set.

Squat with Dumbbell Raise Equipment: dumbbells* Start off with standing with legs, shoulderlength apart. 1. Come down in a squat and bring arms up. 2. Bring arms down and come back up from squat. 3. Advanced: Jump up from squat into beginning stance.

*Tip: Use water bottles in place of dumbbells, if unavailable. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times with a 20 second rest in between each set.

Winter 2017 â€˘ Inspire

Days of Givi

The holidays are a time for giving. It is a time when people reflect on how much they have and are truly grateful for. Whether you have extra time, extra money or just want to do something nice, there is something on this list for you. Looking for a way to give back, here are 25 of them for the holiday season and beyond.

GIVING If you are looking to give your time or money to a worthy cause, here are 15 organizations looking to improve situations in the Valley.

WHO: Blue Sunday WHAT: Provides resources for children in abusive situations HOW: Learn about their relief services and prevention programs HELP: Visit www.bluesunday.org to donate and find out more

WHO: Food Bank RGV WHAT: An organization dedicated to keeping the Valley fed and healthy HOW: One hour of volunteering can feed up to 105 people and donating just $5 can create 25 meals HELP: www.foodbankrgv.com

Winter 2017 â€˘ Inspire

WHO: Operation Christmas Child WHAT: Provides presents to children in Africa HOW: Fill out a shoebox or small box with toys, hygiene products and school supplies to be shipped out HELP: Visit www.samaritanspurse.org for instructions on suggestions for the shoebox

WHO: Loaves and Fishes WHAT: Loaves and Fishes does a lot for the community like creating places for people to spend the night and helping out the local homeless communities HOW: Contact the parish to find ways to donate your time to find out volunteer opportunities that are available to you. HELP: Visit www.lfrgv.org to donate and find ways to help

WHO: Local Animal Shelters WHAT: Animal shelters provide homes for animals without families. HOW: Visit your local animal shelter for ways to volunteer or drop off bags of dog and cat food

WHO: Salvation Army WHAT: Works to serve the vulnerable and lost HOW: There are numerous ways to get involved. HELP: Go to www.salvationarmytexas. org/harlingen/ for ways to volunteer or donate

ing and Kindness WHO: United Way of Northern Cameron County/ Southern Cameroun County WHAT: United Way is a leadership and support organization HOW: Volunteer to read! Pop Star is a program that runs from September to May and brings members of the community in to read to students. HELP: Visit www.unitedwayincameronwillacy.org to find out how to volunteer and become a part of United Way

WHO: Ronald McDonald House WHAT: Creates a comfortable space for families with children in the hospital for serious illnesses. HOW: Volunteer and provide cooking, listening and nurturing opportunities for families. HELP: For volunteer opportunities visit www.rmhcrgv.org or contact Denise Cantu at 956-412-7200

WHO: Boys and Girls Club WHAT: Provides a safe space for schoolaged children after school and during the summer. HOW: Donate to the local Boys and Girls Club or volunteer HELP: Visit www.bgca.org to find your local club to donate or volunteer WHO: La Posada Providencia WHAT: Provides housing for immigrants and asylum seekers HOW: Volunteers must be able to work one day a week. Volunteers are needed for English classes, GED classes and computer classes. Drivers are also needed. HELP: For ways to help visit www.lppshel-

ter.org

WHO: Women Together Mujeres Unidas WHAT: Helps women in domestic violence situations HOW: They are always looking for donations, whether monetary or needed items HELP: Visit www.tcfv.org or call 956-6304878 to find out more

WHO: Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley WHAT: Provides assistance to the poor and most vulnerable. HOW: Volunteer or donate HELP: Contact 956-541-0220 for more information WHO: Sunshine Haven WHAT: Provides end of life care HOW: Check out their website to volunteer or donate HELP: Visit www.sunshinehaveninc.org for a volunteer application or call 956-3508400

WHO: Family Crisis Center WHAT: Provides services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault HOW: Volunteers 14 years old and up can participate in non-direct and direct positions HELP: Call 956-423-9305 or visit www. familycrisisctr.org to find out how

WHO: Habitat for Humanity RGV WHAT: Provides homes for people in the Valley HOW: Volunteer or donate at the Re-Store or attend a community building event HELP: Visit www.habitatrgv.org to find out more Winter 2017 â€˘ Inspire

KINDNESS It’s the little things here and there that make the world a better place.

Pay it forward- next time you’re in the drive-thru getting coffee, pay for the person behind you. You’ll definitely make someone’s day.

Donate old towels and blankets to an animal shelter.

Learn the names of the people around you and say hello to strangers.

Write a positive yelp review about a business you like. Send a coworker an e-mail of gratitude for their hard work.

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Bake muffins for your local librarians.

Send a thank you note to your local officers.

E-mail a former teacher who had a positive impact on your life.

Write your partner a list of reasons about why you love them.

Buy some flowers for your local nurses.

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... not th Enjoying the Christmas Tree forest at the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum IF YOU GO WHAT: The Christmas Tree Extravaganza WHERE: Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St. WHEN: Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. FOR MORE INFO: (956) 216-4901

Winter 2017 • Inspire

LE OVER THE TOP?

his time of the year Story by ALEXIS AGUIRRE Photo by MARICELA RODRIGUEZ When it comes to the holiday season, extravagance is welcomed with open arms. From indoor trees covered in tinsel to front-lawn blow up reindeers, the season is a time for the creative people to give it all they’ve got. An annual event allows community members to create over-the-top trees and wreaths to put on display for all to see. The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum’s annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza allows community members to marvel at the beauty that comes with this time of the year. The museum is a nonprofit organization that celebrates Harlingen’s heritage and our community’s culture through preservation, education and programming. Part of that programming is this extravaganza.

From the end of November to the beginning of January, extravagant Christmas trees and wreaths with unique themes such as Dr. Seuss and Star Wars are put up on display. Stephanie Miller, manager of the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, says the event has been going on since before she started at the museum in 2009. “We decorate all the historical buildings out back so it is a big deal,” Stephanie says. Last year, more than 30 trees were created. “It just started to get the community involved,” Stephanie says. Participants are given a little over a month to decorate while residents are welcomed to come in to the museum and watch the progress.

Organizations, local businesses, college sororities and families are all encourages taking part in displaying their creation. There is no fee to participate in the event and Stephanie says the museum will never turn anyone away. Even though the flier says the museum has limited space, Stephanie admits there is always room for more. “If we run out of room in the main lobby, we can always move more trees to the historical buildings in the back,” she says. Museum hours are extended on Thursdays allowing families with small children to bring them by to witness all the Christmas decorations after school. The whimsy and uniqueness of the trees makes for an enjoyable night out for families.

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INSPIRE MAGAZINE

Winter 2017

EMPOWERING, ENLIGHTENING AND ENTERTAINING

Issue 4 • Volume 1

Gifts that will BLOW

YOUR MIND! Brownsville’s

Bertha Garza knows the things that

matter

WORK OFF

THOSE HOLIDAY POUNDS!

Winter 2017 • Inspire

Making a difference in women’s lives one magazine at a time

Editor

Lisa Seiser

Content

TEAM

Writer Alexis Aguirre

Photographer Maricela Rodriguez

Graphic Designer Victor Cerda

Graphic Designer Ana Villaurrutia

Brownsville Sales

Looking for some fashion fun for your holiday parties or even New Year’s Eve? We all know winter is the perfect time to replace those sandals with cowboy boots. If you have questions about which boots to wear when and with which outfits, this magazine is for you, too. With the help of Scott Meade, owner of Harlingen’s Bullrider Western Wear store, we will help you decide what boot height and type is perfect for you and your style. Want some inspiration and a few good treats? Learn about 23-year-old Andrea Bernes. She saved Brownsville’s iconic Linda’s Cakes when she purchased it from the Linda Gomez, who decided to retire after nearly 30 years in business. However, you have to know Andrea’s full story to understand what she goes through every day. You will be amazed at what this young lady is doing and the energy with which she performs her jobs. This winter edition of Inspire has it all. Our purpose remains to tell the stories of the great women of Rio Grande Valley along with entertaining and informing women of issues they need to know about. As we complete 2017 and head directly into 2018, we will continue on that path with the goal to create a better magazine each and every time. Thank you all for reading. Happy holidays and here’s to a great 2018.

in·spire verb

1. fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

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Winter 2017 • Inspire

LE OVER THE TOP?

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